Nice Things Said Re: EWN

"Dan Wickett is serious about a good read. But the EWN email list doesn't just deliver his sure-footed reviews; it also brings you news and connections to other writers. Sign up now - he understands what readers want to know about books." Quinn Dalton, author, Bulletproof Girl

1.

"Mr. Wickett is that rarely heard from but best of all possible reviewers - the dedicated and knowledgeable fan. He writes clean-cutting and fresh reviews that represent a sensibility unspoiled by over-exposure to the biz of books, but deeply in love with them."
Daniel Woodrell, author, Winter's Bone

3.

"Dan Wickett is a reader's best friend. Not only does he read and trenchantly review new work, but he looks back to books that deserve ongoing readership. I've lost track of the number of times he's led me to boks that I overlooked (or never knew about), and that were a delight. There aren't many reviewers I will let shape my library, but Dan Wickett is one."
Erin McGraw, author, The Baby Tree

June 25, 2009

Emerging Writers Network

The EWN has been, hopefully, an ever evolving entity. Starting off in 2000 as an email list to send book reviews to, interviews were added to that sometime early in 2002, and so on up to this point. I recently let the www.emergingwriters.net website go. The reviews and interviews and e-panels done prior to my starting up this blog (at which point triple posting began - reviews were still emailed, as well as posted at that original EWN site, plus here at the blog) have been saved and will at some point be put back online, probably here. This also means that the Join the Network button no longer works.

To join the EWN, one simply needs to email me at wickettd@yahoo.com. Give me your name, email address and if you wish, some information about you as a writer/reader. I'll add you to the email list at that time (or, more likely, sometime in the next four months).

Comments

Hi I have started a new fantasy book and just have the first chapter. I think its enticing and funny. Its for a younger audience a la Narnia. I would love comments and feedback. This is my blog http://writingmybooks.blogspot.com/

I am documenting the process, hopefully someone will fin it interesting.
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Best regards,
Ana

This is the first time I've checked out your site. Actually the first time I've heard about it. Fascinating site. I've been writing for the last 5 years, since before I graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL with a degree in English, minor in Creative Writing. I'm submitting work, but no publications yet. Not even close to giving up.

Hello. I am reading through the posts here and see a lot of frustration as well as naivete. I have worked in publishing for about 15 years and I am currently working from my home, doing publicity, manuscript critiques and editing. I will soon launch my website called BookMania. I give classes on publicity for authors at The Loft and I also am working on some of my own writing. It's a tough world out there. Community is key.

Greetings,
It is always interesting to hear/read disparaging comments about POD as an avenue to being published. Unless you know someone in publishing, or know somone who knows someone, your chances of ever getting your foot in the door at a major publishing house is almost nil.

POD is exactly that, an avenue to publication. It, like its industry breatheren all require that YOU do most or all of the marketing and promotional efforts.

There are three legs to the book foundation tripod: (good)Writing, (excellent)Edtiting and (non stop)Marketing. To be financially successful (sell, distribute and bring in money) the writer must accomplish all three.

At the end of the day, the individual writer's success depends upon those three and ultimately, the response of the reading public. Readers vote with their dollars.
The only difference between your book and the top of the best seller list is the number of zero's after that first 1.

Ask yourself these questions:
Am I a story teller?
People don't like to be talked at, but they love a good story (one they identify with).

Is what I write, memorable?
Will my readers want more, and will they be endeared/excited enough to tell others about my work?

Who is my target Audience?
Where are they?
How do I get in front of them?

Is this venture into writing, a hobby?
Or a career?
What is my goal as a writer?

Is POD the route to publication for you. Only you can answer that question.

Hi, I'm Prakash. My first novel is still sitting in the drawer. I have been discouraged by agent's and editor's comments that it's too long for a first time author (670 pages). So I wrote a mystery/ Thriller based on a famous surgeon's midlife crisis. I am now looking for an editor for line edits. I am practicing physician for last thirty five years and if anybody needs help to bring scientific authenticity to the medical aspects of their writing, I can help. I'll appreciate anyone guiding me as to how to find a freelance editor. I have a website http://writer-prakash.com

Interesting concept, and the first I've heard of it. Yes, sign me up. I've been writing my entire life. My first novel, called "Zenith Rising," set in a fictional Detroit, was published about a year ago. My second, called "Rebound," is a murder mystery set in the same city. I'm currently seeking representation.
Now I'm off to put a link to EWN on my website.

I have a question: do editors, publisher, and agents read online magazines? I am currently trying to get some of my short stories published and would be happy having one of them accepted by just about anywhere! Including an online magazine, which I used to have a low opinion about. Not anymore. This half-baked opinion was mostly just about old school snobbery anyway.

GARDEN OF CAPTAIN SAM JORDAN - 1ST BLACK MILLIONAIRE ON THE EAST COAST
Is based on a true story by Jake Blake

Captain Sam Jordan is the First Black Millionaire in America on the east coast as quoted by Ebony Magazine in 1959; What he accomplished Ebony Magazine did a cover feature article on him! This dynamic, intelligent, fearless, entrepreneur owned a shrimping fleet, grocery stores and a taxi service. He accomplished all this in the forties and fifties, in the cities of St. Augustine and Jacksonville , Florida ! This is a testament that nothing can hold us back, with the exception of only ourselves. However, at the height of his success his body washed up on the shores of Nicaragua in the summer of 1960.

Jake Blake is the first born grandson of Captain Sam Jordan. In his first book: The Garden of Captain Sam Jordan. Jake Blake describes the highs and of lows of growing up in a family with such a huge legacy filled with secrets, rape, pimps, prostitution-- lust, love and lies. "At times I will make you laugh while reading this, just remember that we all have to be humble enough to laugh and learn from our greatest disappointments in order to achieve our greatest goals."—Jake Blake

From the beginning, Jake hooks the reader by telling us what life for him was like in the U.S. Military being charged with the death of his friend while in a LSD induced state and sentenced to life, paroled and on the run. You will be captivated to read how Jake Blake reinvented and redeemed himself after being released from prison-- poor and penniless to having access to the millionaires’ club by taking a company --generating 20 million a year to grossing 35 million immediately 24 months after incarceration. -
---- Thank you again for reading this blog and if there is anything you can do to help us regarding royalty publishing, movie/book contacts, reviews, support or just kind words about this AWESOME story based on a true story we will appreciate it.

I consider myself an emerging writer, even at the age of 64, and currently living in the Philippines. I completed my first novel "Qandahar," in 2008, still unpublished, and have written several short stories and novellas. I am now working on my second novel, tentatively titled "Dakota Memoir." I would like to join your Emerging Writers Network. Thank you.
I am also a photographer. I shoot photos under the "shutter" name of David Hariman.